DIMAPUR — The Physics department of Nagaland University, Lumami campus in Zunheboto, observed the inaugural National Space Day on August 23 on the theme “Touching lives while touching the moon: India’s space saga.”
Led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Government of India, National Space Day aims to engage and inspire youth in space science and technology, stated an update from the university.
Prof. MS Rawat, Dean of Sciences, underscored the day’s importance by recalling Chandrayaan-3’s historic landing on the Moon’s surface on August 23, 2023.
“This achievement made India the fourth country to land on the moon and the first to land near the southern polar region,” he said.
Rawat also highlighted that the significant milestone prompted the government to designate August 23 as National Space Day. He emphasised how space science and technology have been crucial in India’s scientific advancements and global reputation, noting the pride and international recognition gained from ISRO’s progress.
He elaborated on India’s journey from its humble beginnings to becoming a leading space technology nation and mentioned about the ongoing ISRO programmes such as the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) for telecommunications and broadcasting, remote sensing programmes (IRS) for satellite imagery and indigenous spacecraft and launch vehicle development.
Prof. MK Sinha, vice chancellor (in-charge), has praised ISRO’s decades of dedication, which culminated in the historic Chandrayaan-3 moon landing. He highlighted the Indian space sector’s economic impact, noting its $9.6 billion valuation in 2020 and projected growth to $13 billion by 2025.
“This growth will create jobs across various sectors, including technology, agriculture, and environmental management,” he said, expressing optimism for future advancements.
The event featured screening of videos on India’s space programmes, missions and Chandrayaan-3, followed by a prize distribution for a week-long series of competitions including model making, poster making, essay writing and drawing involving Nagaland University students and school children from JNV Zunheboto and KV NU Lumami.
Faculty, officers, administrative staff, research scholars and postgraduate students of NU along with the students and staff of Kendriya Vidyalaya NU Lumami and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Zunheboto, attended the programme.
